Shanghai should accelerate the construction of the Changxing shipyard base to better prepare for the World Expo 2010 Shanghai, Mayor Han Zheng said yesterday during a visit to the Shanghai-based Jiangnan Changxing Shipyard, a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corp.

"The construction of the Changxing shipyard base is part of a national strategy. We should have a sense of urgency in carrying out the project," said Han.

A world-class shipyard base is taking shape on Changxing Island.

The first phase of the project is in full swing. Some production lines have started operation and buyers have ordered 54 ships to extend the shipyard's work schedule to 2011.

The Jiangnan Shipyard, which was formerly located in the World Expo Site, will move to the new shipyard.

Han also expressed hopes for closer cooperation with China State Shipbuilding Corp.

"Shanghai and CSSC have enjoyed a win-win relationship for long. It is now a mutual target for us to host a successful, brilliant and unforgettable Expo," said Han. "We should establish an effective mechanism to accelerate the construction of the Changxing shipyard base and offer better service for people who move to the place."

Nie Chenggen, CSSC's vice general manager, said it will lift the pace of the relocation of the Jiangnan Shipyard to guarantee the speed of construction in the Expo site.

China State Shipbuilding Corp, established in 1999, is an extra-large conglomerate and state-authorized investment institution directly administered by the central government of China.

It is the mainstay of the shipbuilding industry in China. Under its wing, there are totally 60 sole proprietorship enterprises and shareholding institutions, including a batch of the most powerful and renowned shipbuilding and ship-repairing yards, research and design institutes, marine-related equipment manufacturers and trading firms in China.